A Chinese pedicab driver powers his way past an advertisement for a locally-produced soymilk drink in Beijing January 10. China's economy is expected to grow 7.8 percent this year compared with 7.1 percent in 1999, a senior government economist said on Monday. China's exports, buoyed by expected entry in to the World Trade Organisation and government support, were expected to rise seven percent in 2000 from last year.

ASW/PB